Why Your Old Nintendo Switch MicroSD Card Won't Work for Switch 2 Games

Quick Shortcut: The Nintendo Switch 2 requires a new generation of memory card called 'microSD Express' (marked with an 'EX' logo on the front) to install and play games. Standard UHS-I microSD cards from your old Switch 1 can only copy screenshots—they cannot load Switch 2 games!

How to Choose the Right Card for Switch 2 vs. Switch 1 / OLED / Lite

1. For Nintendo Switch 2 (2025+ Console): Look specifically for 'SanDisk microSD Express' with the 'EX' badge on the card (~880 MB/s PCIe/NVMe speeds).
2. For Original Switch, Switch OLED & Switch Lite: Do NOT overpay for an Express card—the original Switch hardware caps out at UHS-I speeds (~100 MB/s), so a 256GB or 512GB SanDisk Ultra or SanDisk Extreme card is the best value.

Recommended Plug-and-Play Storage Picks

Required for Nintendo Switch 2

256GB SanDisk microSD Express Card ('EX' Logo)

The only type of memory card that works for installing and playing Nintendo Switch 2 games.

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Best Value for Switch 1, Phones & Tablets

256GB SanDisk Ultra microSD Card (Red/Grey)

Great everyday value for storing games, photos, and movies on Nintendo Switch 1 and Samsung tablets/phones.

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